Seto ware
Seto ware is a type of traditional Japanese pottery produced in and around the city of Seto in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the oldest and most significant ceramic traditions in the country and is regarded as one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan (日本六古窯, Nihon Rokkoyō).
History
[edit]Pottery production in the Seto area is believed to have begun in the late Kamakura period (13th century), when the potter Katō Shirozaemon Kagemasa is said to have brought back advanced ceramic techniques from China. Seto became a major production center for glazed pottery, which was relatively rare in Japan at the time.
During the Muromachi period, Seto kilns produced a wide variety of wares, including pieces for daily use, tea utensils, and decorative ceramics. The term Setomono (瀬戸物), originally referring specifically to ceramics from Seto, became a general Japanese word for pottery.
Characteristics
[edit]Seto ware is notable for:
- A wide range of glazes, including ash glaze (灰釉, haibiyu), iron glaze (鉄釉, tetsuyu), and celadon (青磁, seiji).
- High-fired stoneware using local clays.
- Both utilitarian and artistic production, from tableware to tea ceremony utensils.
Types
[edit]Over the centuries, various substyles have developed, such as:
- Shino ware – characterized by milky white glaze with iron brush decorations.
- Oribe ware – featuring green copper glaze and bold painted motifs.
- Ki-Seto – yellow Seto ware using iron-rich clay and feldspar glaze.
Cultural significance
[edit]Seto ware played a crucial role in Japanese ceramic history and influenced pottery production across the country. The city of Seto remains a vibrant ceramics center, hosting the annual Seto Pottery Festival (せともの祭) each September.
Modern production
[edit]Today both traditional and modern Seto ware are produced, blending ancient techniques with contemporary design. Many workshops are open to the public, and the Seto-Gura Museum offers extensive exhibits on the history of Seto ceramics.
See also
[edit]External links
[edit]- City of Seto official website (in Japanese)
- Seto City Tourism Guide (in Japanese)
